Anew stadium on the horizon, a new pitch at Feethams and four new players on show .

Anew stadium on the horizon, a new pitch at Feethams and four new players on show . . .

But Darlington fans got what they wanted most yesterday - goals.

For all the talk of the Quakers entering a new era, they spent much of this game dogged by the same old problem: finding the net.

Their best attacking intentions were foundering on a poor final ball or wayward finishing for a second successive week. But, with a helping hand, all that changed in an explosive five-minute spell midway through the second half.

Substitute Richard Hodgson was the catalyst, but new boys Barry Conlon and Danny Mellanby were also central to the drama.

Hodgson's first touch was the 68th-minute cross from which referee Mike Ryan ruled that Parfait Medou-Otye pushed the lofty Conlon in the six-yard box. Mark Ford sent keeper Stuart Brock the wrong way from the spot.

Just four minutes later, Hodgson was again the provider, delivering the perfect low centre for Mallanby to slide home his first League goal on his home League debut.

Medou-Otye then lost his head. The fullback clattered Conlon on the touchline and then appeared to stamp on the Irishman for good measure, giving Ryan no option but to brandish the red card.

Another debut boy, Darlington born and bred Neil Maddison, was unsurprisingly satisfied with his first ever appearance on hometown soil.

"It was a special day for me," he said. "I've played on far bigger stages but this is the first time I've played here and it's the ground I call home.

"We were excellent throughout the first half and made a few chances but we were a different side after the break.

"If we get promoted - and I think we've got a decent chance - this club can go places because with the new stadium on its way foundations for growth will be in place."